Washington State to shut down restaurants, expand group restrictions to combat coronavirus outbreak

The U.S. State of Washington will shut down restaurants and expand gathering restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, said Governor Jay Inslee on Sunday. "Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally, I will sign a statewide emergency proclamation tomorrow to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities," he said in a statement.

Restaurants will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services, "but no in-person dining will be permitted," the governor said, adding that the ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies.

According to the statement, all gatherings with over 50 participants will be prohibited, while those under 50 participants will be allowed if "previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met."

Washington state imposed a ban on gatherings and events of more than 250 people in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties on Wednesday.

Inslee said that he is aware of the economic impact of new measures on communities, but the strong measures have to be taken to slow the spread of the disease.

The latest data showed that the coronavirus outbreak has sickened more than 3,600 people in the United States, with 66 deaths as of Monday morning.